Treatment and recovery providers who have been financially challenged by the COVID-19 pandemic are benefiting from grants to ensure ongoing support for people struggling with addictions throughout B.C.

Fifty-three eligible grant applications came in and all were awarded, totalling just over $2 million. The grants support existing bed-based treatment and recovery services provincewide. Individual grants ranged from $25,000 to $45,000 based on the number of qualifying beds within eligible services.

“The overlapping overdose and COVID-19 emergencies have created unparalleled challenges for British Columbians, especially those with substance use disorders,” said Sheila Malcolmson, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions. “We are listening to the recovery community and working to ensure mental health and addictions services continue being there for people throughout the pandemic and after.”

While the majority of bed-based treatment and recovery services have remained open during the pandemic, modified operating practices required to meet public health requirements – such as physical distancing – created financial pressures for operators. These grants are helping offset the pressures and enabling ongoing access to services, which is a critical part of B.C.’s overdose response.

Grants were awarded to service providers throughout the province in every health authority, with 25 in Fraser Health, 11 in Island Health, eight in Vancouver Coastal Health, seven in Interior Health and two in Northern Health. Eligible applicants were required to be licensed and/or registered under the Community Care and Assisted Living Act.

Strengthening service capacity throughout COVID-19 is essential to B.C.’s overdose response, as the pandemic has had devastating effects on people living with substance use disorders. A dramatic increase in the toxicity of unregulated street drugs, on top of increased isolation and mental health challenges, means it is more important than ever to connect people seeking help to treatment and recovery services.

Treatment and recovery beds are an important part of the substance use continuum of care available for people in British Columbia. They provide supportive living environments where people can focus on their recovery journey.

Improving treatment and recovery services is an integral part of A Pathway to Hope, B.C.’s roadmap for building the comprehensive system of mental health and addictions care British Columbians deserve.

Quotes:

Susan Sanderson, executive director, Realistic Success Recovery Society –

“The Realistic Success Recovery Society is very grateful to the Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions for responding to the financial needs of organizations delivering quality recovery and treatment services. We know that compared to the general population, people with substance use disease are more vulnerable to the hardships of physical distancing and social isolation. The grant we received has assisted us in responding to the increased demands and costs created by COVID-19 on our residents and staff.”

Willie Alphonse, executive director, Nenqayni Wellness Centre –

“Nenqayni Wellness Centre is happy to receive this grant, which will lighten the load and help us to better align our support of the vulnerable persons we serve. We thank the Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions for the generous grant and we look forward to future alliances.”

Learn More:

A Pathway to Hope: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/BCMentalHealthRoadmap_2019.pdf

Stop Overdose BC: https://www.stopoverdose.gov.bc.ca/

A backgrounder follows.